Home Send Us Your Thoughts Request a Speaker Facts About Revitalization Procurement FAQs   The Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport (MSPA) is providing this newsletter in an effort to keep you informed about the progress being made with the Port of Gulfport Restoration Program. Port of Gulfport and Panama Canal Authority Launch Strategic Partnership Last week Governor Haley Barbour and MSPA Executive Director and CEO Don Allee joined Panama Canal Authority Administrator and CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta to announce the launch of a strategic partnership in Panama by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to increase economic growth, spur international trade and promote the route from Asia to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts via the Panama Canal, which is known as the “All-Water Route.” “Maritime commerce is vital to Mississippi’s economy, and the expansion of the Panama Canal provides the state with considerable opportunities for increased trade and worldwide shipping,” said Governor Barbour.  “Our nation’s ports are over capacity, and the current restoration of the Port of Gulfport will accommodate increased container traffic that will be entering the U.S. as a result of the Panama Canal expansion.” During an official ceremony, the Panama Canal Authority and the MSPA affirmed their commitment to mutual growth and cooperation. Renewable after five years, this first-ever agreement will allow for joint marketing ventures, information sharing and technological exchange. Both the Panama Canal Authority and the Port are dedicated to further increasing capacity and fostering business development. In 2009, Panama was Mississippi’s third largest trading partner, in terms of exports, after Canada and Mexico. “For four decades, the Mississippi State Port Authority has focused on growth prospects in the Western Hemisphere, but the expanded Panama Canal will afford the Port of Gulfport new opportunities to be more competitive in shipping between North America and both Asia and the West Coast of South America,” said Allee. “This agreement will provide a framework for our two entities to work together to pursue new business opportunities that will result from an expanded Panama Canal.” The Panama Canal is currently undergoing a $5.25 billion expansion project that will double the waterway’s capacity and build a new lane of traffic through the construction of a new set of locks. Scheduled for completion in 2014, the project will allow more ships and the passage of longer and wider vessels through the Canal. Mary Alice Powe Joins MSPA Disaster Recovery The MSPA Disaster Recovery Division staff recently welcomed Mary Alice Powe as contract administrator/compliance. Mary Alice holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Arts in Education, Administration and Supervision from Austin Peay State University. In her role at the MSPA, Mary Alice oversees contracts to ensure compliance with federal, state and MSPA regulations and policies; manages contracting functions; develops and implements internal monitoring systems; and coordinates with other areas to ensure the contracts administration processes function smoothly. Prior to joining the MSPA, Mary Alice enjoyed a two-decades long career as a contracting officer with several federal agencies and retired as a senior level contract specialist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In her spare time, Mary Alice enjoys traveling and competitive sports. She has two adult sons and makes her home in Gautier. Construction Progress Report July 9, 2010 marked the one-year anniversary of the Port’s ground-making ceremony for the 60-acre West Pier fill project. In the last year, more than one million cubic yards of fill has been deposited to add 60 acres to the West Pier. This project is scheduled for completion in December 2010. Procurement The most recent procurement opportunity for the restoration program was a Request for Ideas – seeking ideas and input from interested parties for consideration of the restoration and redevelopment of the northern harbor area of the Port. Seven proposals were received by the June 18 deadline and are currently undergoing the review process. Community Support Over 50 organizations have issued letters or resolutions of support for the MSPA's revitalization plan.  Most recently, a letter of support was received from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. All of these support documents are available for viewing on PortoftheFuture.com under the “Download” section of the website. The MSPA greatly appreciates the support that has been demonstrated by these community partners. In addition to this newsletter, please note that the Port provides a community update, which is revised monthly, on the Newsroom page of the PortoftheFuture.com website, so those who are interested in the Port's progress can closely follow it.